Blacking out DIY Algae Reactor

[TinyChocobo]

So even though this LED string is 'waterproof' - all of the LEDs below the water line have failed :(.

I wonder why that is. I do have room for this reactor in the other part of my stand - and I have the hose to make it work - but my concern is water leaking/getting out when I open it up to check the algae.

 

[TinyChocobo]

It turns out the LED strip I got was IP65 and I needed IP68 - thought I ordered IP68 but ... I guess not.

New strip incoming - rated for underwater use.

 

[TinyChocobo]

My reactor fits in a 6” pipe so I bought and cut one and lined it with LEDs.

 

[TinyChocobo]

Double post.

 

[Jeepguy242]

So even though this LED string is 'waterproof' - all of the LEDs below the water line have failed :(.

I wonder why that is. I do have room for this reactor in the other part of my stand - and I have the hose to make it work - but my concern is water leaking/getting out when I open it up to check the algae.

Cheap Chinese led lights aren’t waterproof. I have some actinic strip leds in my hood and they are rusting even tho they were advertised as waterproof also and they aren’t in the water

 

[TinyChocobo]

Cheap Chinese led lights aren’t waterproof. I have some actinic strip leds in my hood and they are rusting even tho they were advertised as waterproof also and they aren’t in the water

Yeah. I found some IP68 ones but I’m just going to run it external. I ordered some quick disconnect no-drip fittings from BRS.

 

[TinyChocobo]

This lighting on my algae is 5,000 lumens / 39 Watts. They almost use as much power as my return pump on max.

 

[TinyChocobo]

So my Chaeto that I bought for like $8 at the LFS and maybe the size of a golf ball has now completely filled my reactor. Funny enough my PH swing has been cut in half or more - so yeah - pretty happy with the outcome.

 

[October Sky]

Go to TJ Max, Marshalls, Home Depot, Target or pretty much anywhere and just buy a cheap plastic garbage can that is the right size. Cut the bottom off if you want.

 

[TinyChocobo]

Go to TJ Max, Marshalls, Home Depot, Target or pretty much anywhere and just buy a cheap plastic garbage can that is the right size. Cut the bottom off if you want.

Problem was solved a bit ago.:)

That’s clever though. Thanks.

 

[thepacific]

Built and installed.

Resurrecting this thread…! i am trying to make similar setup buy my reactor need to be inside sump. I am not sure if below vinyl product can be used. Any thoughts?

Amazon product